Famous 9/11 faces: Where are they now?

September 7, 2011 3:53 PM

Photo: KENNETH LAMBERT/ASSOCIATED PRESS

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Many of the instantly iconic photos from September 11th featured ordinary Americans, each a part of the tragedy in their own way. These once-anonymous faces will now remain a part of history, reflecting the effects of 9/11 on all of America. Ten years later, how have their lives changed?

Edward FineFinancial advisor Edward Fine was on the 78th floor of 1 World Trade Center when it was hit by a hijacked plane. This photograph of him emerging from the debris of the attack was forever immortalized on the cover of Fortune magazine. less

Many of the instantly iconic photos from September 11th featured ordinary Americans, each a part of the tragedy in their own way. These once-anonymous faces will now remain a part of history, reflecting the ... more

Photo: STAN HONDA, AFP/Getty Images

Many of the instantly iconic photos from September 11th featured... Photo-1580421.30735 - Times Union

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Today, Fine works for a medical device manufacturer that makes safety syringes. He told ABC News, "After I survived I was looking for something that would bring new meaning into my life." Fine added that while he was a workaholic before 9/11, the tragedy made him realize that "[his] life and everyone else's life is hanging by a thread. Here today, gone tomorrow." less

Today, Fine works for a medical device manufacturer that makes safety syringes. He told ABC News, "After I survived I was looking for something that would bring new meaning into my life." Fine added that while ... more

Photo: STAN HONDA, AFP/Getty Images

Today, Fine works for a medical device manufacturer that makes... Photo-1580423.30735 - Times Union

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Bob Beckwith
Retired firefighter Bob Beckwith found himself thrust into the spotlight after being captured in an iconic photo with President Bush. Though he was nearly 70 years old at the time of the attacks, Beckwith was spurred to action. Dressed in old FDNY gear, he managed to gain access to the WTC wreckage and help with rescue efforts. less

Bob Beckwith
Retired firefighter Bob Beckwith found himself thrust into the spotlight after being captured in an iconic photo with President Bush. Though he was nearly 70 years old at the time of the attacks, ... more

These days, Beckwith, 79, has learned to make the most of his time in the spotlight. He often travels and speaks on behalf of the New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation, and has raised thousands of dollars in donations for the organization. less

These days, Beckwith, 79, has learned to make the most of his time in the spotlight. He often travels and speaks on behalf of the New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation, and has raised thousands of ... more

Photo: JEFF ZELEVANSKY, ASSOCIATED PRESS

These days, Beckwith, 79, has learned to make the most of his time... Photo-1580428.30735 - Times Union

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Marcy Borders
Marcy Borders was at her desk on the 81st floor of the north tower when the first plane struck. She managed to escape the building before it collapsed, covering her in dust and setting the stage for one of the most eerie photographs of the 9/11 tragedy. less

Marcy Borders
Marcy Borders was at her desk on the 81st floor of the north tower when the first plane struck. She managed to escape the building before it collapsed, covering her in dust and setting the stage ... more

Photo: STAN HONDA, AFP/Getty Images

Marcy Borders
Marcy Borders was at her desk on the 81st floor... Photo-1580419.30735 - Times Union

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After 9/11, Borders' life began a downward spiral. She stopped working, battling extreme depression and an addiction to crack cocaine. She told the New York Post, "By 2011 I was a complete mess. Every time I saw an aircraft, I panicked. If I saw a man on a building, I was convinced he was going to shoot me." Borders entered a rehab facility in April 2011 and emerged happier and healthier than ever -- she admits that the death of Osama bin Laden has helped calm some of her fears. She recently regained custody of son Zay-den, 3, pictured.

After 9/11, Borders' life began a downward spiral. She stopped working, battling extreme depression and an addiction to crack cocaine. She told the New York Post, "By 2011 I was a complete mess. Every time I ... more

Photo: Glen McCurtayne/COLEMAN-RAYNER, Coleman-Rayner

After 9/11, Borders' life began a downward spiral. She stopped... Photo-1580420.30735 - Times Union

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Andrew CardChief of Staff Andy Card famously whispered into the ear of President Bush to give him word of the plane crashes into the World Trade Center. The president was visiting with children at the Emma E. Booker Elementary School in Sarasota, Fla. less

Andrew Card
Chief of Staff Andy Card famously whispered into the ear of President Bush to give him word of the plane crashes into the World Trade Center. The president was visiting with children at the Emma E. ... more

Card has settled into a quieter life away from the frenetic pace and pressure-cooker demands of the White House. As of 2011, he is the Dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. less

Card has settled into a quieter life away from the frenetic pace and pressure-cooker demands of the White House. As of 2011, he is the Dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M ... more

Photo: Cheryl Senter, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Card has settled into a quieter life away from the frenetic pace... Photo-1580426.30735 - Times Union

Today, Richard Drew continues his long career as an AP photographer (before "Falling Man," Drew was known for being one of just four press photographers that captured the assassination of Robert Kennedy). The falling man in the photograph remains unidentified. Drew told Yahoo! News, "To me, he'll always remain the unknown soldier."'

Today, Richard Drew continues his long career as an AP photographer (before "Falling Man," Drew was known for being one of just four press photographers that captured the assassination of Robert Kennedy). The ... more

Photo: Joe Pompeo/Yahoo

Today, Richard Drew continues his long career as an AP photographer... Photo-1580431.30735 - Times Union

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George Johnson, Dan McWilliams, and Billy Eisengrein The three FDNY firefighters became part of perhaps the most iconic 9/11 photo when they raised a flag up above the rubble.

George Johnson, Dan McWilliams, and Billy Eisengrein
The three FDNY firefighters became part of perhaps the most iconic 9/11 photo when they raised a flag up above the rubble.

Photo: THOMAS E. FRANKLIN, AP

George Johnson, Dan McWilliams, and Billy Eisengrein The three... Photo-1580429.30735 - Times Union

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Though the three firefighters have refused all media requests for interviews, choosing to stay out of the spotlight, they have continued their careers with the FDNY for the past 10 years. The image has been immortalized on newspaper front pages, postage stamps, and magazine covers alike. Photographer Thomas E. Franklin, pictured at right, still works as a staff photographer at The Bergen Record in New Jersey.

The flag in the photograph disappeared and remains missing to this day. less

Though the three firefighters have refused all media requests for interviews, choosing to stay out of the spotlight, they have continued their careers with the FDNY for the past 10 years. The image has been ... more

Photo: KENNETH LAMBERT, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Though the three firefighters have refused all media requests for... Photo-1580430.30735 - Times Union